C18 Discussion

The Body Tempering Liquid had certainly provided Ling Chen with an unexpected delight.

Furthermore, Ling Chen could sense that his once frail body, previously deemed useless, had undergone significant improvement after the tempering process with the Body Tempering Liquid. His muscles, now more defined, added to his explosive strength.

With a gentle splash, Ling Chen rose from the wooden barrel.

The medicinal liquid, once golden, had turned clear, its potency fully absorbed.

Without pausing to rest, Ling Chen emptied the barrel and set about crafting more Body Tempering Liquid.

Over the following days, Ling Chen's routine consisted of shuttling between the Pill Refining Room and the Ling family estate. Driven by his dedication to cultivation, he scarcely took a moment to rest. His efforts paid off handsomely, as he could visibly perceive his cultivation level soaring with each day's soak in the medicinal herbs.

Three days later, as the last of the Body Tempering Liquid turned to clear water, Ling Chen stood up abruptly, splashing water all around. He stretched luxuriously, and a milky-white glow briefly emanated from his abdomen before vanishing.

Ling Chen extended his hand, and a soft glow of spiritual power emerged, wrapping around his palm. This wasn't a temporary manifestation due to using a skill; it lingered around his right hand like a shield, steadfast and enduring.

"Spiritual power has been unleashed; I've finally reached the Seventh Heaven!" A grin of satisfaction spread across Ling Chen's face.

Spiritual power release was the hallmark of the Seventh Heaven!

In a mere three days, Ling Chen had ascended two levels, from the Fifth Heaven to the Seventh Heaven. Such rapid progress would surely astonish anyone who heard of it. It was doubtful that even the most gifted individuals in the Nacuan Empire could match this feat.

"Hmm, I've used up the last of the Body Tempering Liquid. It's time to purchase some new medicinal ingredients," Ling Chen mused. "And now that I've reached the Seventh Heaven, continuing to use this lower-grade Body Tempering Liquid would yield negligible results at best…"

"Besides, my dad's illness is getting more severe by the day. I can't afford to wait any longer!"

With that thought, Ling Chen got dressed and headed outside.

...

After about a ten-minute walk down the street, Ling Chen arrived at the Alchemy Branch as if on autopilot.

Before he could step inside, an excited voice called out, "Little mister?"

Ling Chen paused and turned around.

Behind him stood a beautiful girl, smiling sweetly, "Little mister, it's been a while!"

Ling Chen gave her a careful look and quickly recognized her as Gu Xue, whom he had met at the Alchemy Branch a few days prior.

At that time, he had handed her the list, but she hadn't recognized him. It was only later, due to Steward Zhou's intervention, that he had made the acquaintance of Lee Qingqiu.

"It's you?" Ling Chen chuckled. His gaze quickly fell on the bronze badge pinned to her chest.

The badge bore the title "Manager."

"You've been promoted to manager? Congratulations," Ling Chen said with a genuine smile.

Gu Xue's cheeks flushed as she replied with a sweet smile, "I should be thanking you."

Without Ling Chen's help, Gu Xue might not have found it so easy to ascend to the role of manager.

"By the way, little mister, are you here to buy medicinal herbs again?" Gu Xue asked, her beautiful eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Yes, I'm here for some medicinal herbs," Ling Chen replied, pulling the list from his pocket. "The herbs are the same as last time. Do you know if your guild has them in stock?"

"Don't worry, everything's ready," Gu Xue assured him with a nod. "After your last visit, Master Lee made sure we kept a stock of certain herbs, including the ones on your list."

"Little mister, please follow me. I'll take you to collect the herbs," Gu Xue said, leading the way.

Ling Chen followed her in silence.

The entire Alchemy Branch fell quiet at the sight, with every alchemist staring in disbelief.

"Good heavens, did I just see Manager Gu go out to greet him?"

"Are my eyes deceiving me?"

"Who exactly is this young man?"

"I remember last time, I couldn't even get a moment to speak with Manager Gu, and this guy gets a personal reception?"

"Could he be a high-ranking alchemist?"

The crowd blinked in unison, their gazes upon Ling Chen filled with curiosity.

...

At the Alchemy Branch in Suinsa County.

On the second floor.

An elderly man with white hair sat there, smiling warmly. "Shishi, what brings you here today? I was beginning to think you'd forgotten this old man with all your studies!"

"Oh, stop teasing me!" A light laugh echoed from across the room, where a woman's lips curled into a playful smile. "Everyone in Suinsa County knows how close Liu Shishi and you are. I couldn't possibly forget you!"

The old man chuckled at Liu Shishi's words, his face creasing into an affectionate smile.

If Ling Chen were here, he would recognize the woman as none other than Liu Shishi, whom he had previously encountered.

And the man she was speaking to was Lee Qingqiu, whom Ling Chen had met on several occasions.

"You're still as charming as ever," Lee Qingqiu said with a smile. "Your visit must be at your grandfather's behest, right? What does he need this time?"

"You're so perceptive! Nothing gets past you!" Liu Shishi laughed, then pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and laid it gently on the table. "Take a look. These are the ingredients for the third-grade Jade Dragon Pill. But there are a few herbs whose proportions Grandfather isn't quite sure about, so he wanted your opinion."

Lee Qingqiu's eyebrows lifted as he picked up the paper and studied it closely.

"The Tyrant Twig makes up 30%?" he exclaimed, his brow furrowing. "Such a dominant herb taking up such a large proportion—could that be excessive? If the pill is successfully refined, it might be too potent for someone without robust health to handle."

"That's right," Liu Shishi confirmed. "So, Grandfather included some Jade Dew to temper the potency. But with the addition of Jade Dew, the cost of producing the Jade Dragon Pill has skyrocketed. He's wondering if it's really worth it."

Jade Dew is a superior medicinal ingredient, typically reserved for fourth-grade pills or higher. It seems somewhat extravagant to use it for a third-grade Jade Dragon Pill. Perhaps we could substitute it with dew essence?" Lee Qingqiu suggested.

Liu Shishi shook her head, a wry smile on her face. "Grandfather has already considered dew essence, but its medicinal properties are too mild to counterbalance the Tyrant Twig. If we were to use an excessive amount, the cost would be nearly equivalent to that of Jade Dew."

"Is that the case?" Lee Qingqiu murmured, his brow furrowing in thought.

For some reason, he was suddenly reminded of someone.

If that person were here, surely they'd have a solution, right?

"Shishi, could you provide me with a copy of this pill formula? I'd like to consult someone and then I'll get back to you with an answer," Lee Qingqiu said after a moment's reflection.

At his words, Liu Shishi was taken aback.

Lee Qingqiu seeking advice? Heavens, the man was a third-grade alchemist, one of the esteemed elders in the entire Nacuan Empire, and he was willing to seek guidance from another?

"Who is this person?" Liu Shishi inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"You'll find out soon enough," Lee Qingqiu replied with a slight smile, his eyes shining with admiration. "He is a true master of alchemy. I don't even come close to matching a tenth of his skill."

Liu Shishi felt a tumult of emotions within her.

This was the first time she had ever encountered someone who elicited such high praise from Lee Qingqiu.

"Why do I keep running into such oddities?" she mused with a bitter laugh. She recalled meeting someone just a few days prior who was about her age but whose alchemy skills far surpassed her own.

"But come to think of it, he's roughly your age," Lee Qingqiu added abruptly.

"Impossible!" Liu Shishi gasped in disbelief. "You're saying he's as young as I am? That would mean he's only twenty years old?"

A twenty-year-old alchemist more skilled than Lee Qingqiu?

Could such a person even exist in the Nacuan Empire?

"I was skeptical at first too, but it turns out to be true," Lee Qingqiu said with a sigh, speaking slowly.

Once, he too believed he had reached the pinnacle of the alchemy world...

Once, he considered himself a peerless genius within the realm of alchemy...

Until the arrival of that individual...

Who utterly demolished his self-assurance and pride!

Observing the other's demeanor, Liu Shishi fell silent, reminded of someone. Wasn't that person, who was roughly her age, far more adept at alchemy than she was?

"Sigh, why do I keep running into odd occurrences lately?" Liu Shishi mused with a wry smile.

"By the way, Shishi." It was then that Lee Qingqiu's voice interrupted her reverie, "The alchemy competition with the neighboring Alchemy Branch is in two days. Your grandfather and I have recommended you to participate. This event could be beneficial for you."

"That's fantastic!"

Liu Shishi's face lit up with excitement.

The alchemy competition was a significant event in the alchemy world. High-level alchemists from the branch would all be in attendance. For Liu Shishi, collaborating with them would undoubtedly be an excellent chance to enhance her alchemy skills.

"Thank you. I'll definitely be there!" Liu Shishi said, her smile radiant and charming enough to outshine the most vibrant of flowers.

"I won't keep you any longer, then. I'll head back now," Liu Shishi said with respect.

"Good." Lee Qingqiu nodded in acknowledgment.

He watched as she departed.

Once Liu Shishi was out of sight, Lee Qingqiu pulled out the Jade Dragon Pill recipe from his pocket.

After a brief moment of hesitation, he too made his way downstairs.

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